Dana Said:

I am looking for a career change from technology to accounting. how can i get started without experience???

We Answered:

Brup is right about a lot of factors coming into play.

I'm not sure what area of accounting you are interested in getting into but if it's taxes, I would suggest taking the H&R block tax class and/or a few acc classes at community college that way you might be able to help a CPA firm during tax season, they always need help!

I only suggest this because it worked for me. I wanted to get into the accounting field but didn't have much time or money for school yet. I don't know if this will work for you, but it might be worth exploring.

Brent Said:

i wanted to change career from accounting to Medical Billing. Need your advice and thoughts about the job..tnx

We Answered:

I think you have to do what is best for you, however this is definitely a step backwards. Accounting jobs can be found in ANY type of industry. Medical billing is only medical... with little-to-no room for growth. Perhaps you should just try accounting in a different industry? That will only enhance your accounting experience and lead to a higher paycheck for you as you will be more versatile. Plus, as many above have stated, you get paid WAY less as a mecial biller.

Jose Said:

Should i change my major from accounting to math teacher at the high school level?

We Answered:

Man of Mystery clearly knows little about the accounting profession. While there is a lot of analytical work involved in accounting, there is also a much greater opportunity for advancement and potential lucrative earnings. And as you advance in the profession you do less of the "grunt work" and the biggest part of your job becomes interacting with clients or, if you work for a company, upper management. If you have the personality for it you can become a "rainmaker" whose main job is to attract clients and meet with potential sources of business such as bankers, stock brokers and lawyers. Yes, you have to put in the time, especially at the beginning to learn your trade and you constantly have to keep up on recent developments in the profession but it's hardly just creating Excel spreadsheets in front of a computer.

High school teachers, other than the meager stipends they are paid for things like coaching teams or running clubs, are pretty much locked into a standard pay scale set by the district. Don't get me wrong, it's a noble profession but don't expect more than a modest lifestyle.

That being said, I think it's great to enjoy what you do. A math teacher is one of the subjects that are in demand, so the job outlook is good. And the benefits and time off is good. But there is a cost to it. If you get married, unless your spouse is a big earner, odds are you will both have to work all the time to make ends meet. You will never be able to afford more than a modest house in an average neighorhood. Things like extravagant European vacations are out of the question. You will drive a Honda, not a Mercedes. I think you get the idea.

I don't mean to lecture, but the fact of the matter is many people are working in jobs they do not like because that's what pays the bills. If you feel you have a talent for accounting give it a try. You have taken the basic courses. It gets progressively more difficult. If you can get by cost accounting then you pretty much have it licked. Once you get a job, if you really can't stand it after a year or two, you will still be young enough to go back to school and get the required credits for a teaching certificate. If you want to be a math teacher, fine. But you will also probably be able to teach business courses as well and that will make you even more valuable to an employer.

Set your goals high - you can always go back. It's very difficult to move to a higher level once you have settled into a lower level position. Work hard and good luck.

Darren Said:

I am interested in a career change... from social work to accounting (CPA). anyone have any advice? my state?

We Answered:

It would help to know what state you are in. In general, most states require a bachelors degree and a minimum number of hours in accounting. Some states also require a minimum of 150 semester hours of college coursework. I recommend contacting your state's board and verifying that all the classes you plan on taking qualify. There is nothing worse than taking a class that doesn't count! I'm sure you'll be able to find 9 hours of financial accounting if you talk to a guidance counselor at a university...

In most states, the experience requirement can be fulfilled after you pass the exam. The 1000 hours your state requires can most likely be filled at any organization as long as you are in an accounting related position. For example, I have worked as auditor at an oil company and staff accountant at a steel company. Both of those jobs could've been used to fulfill my work experience requirement. You will need your supervisor and a CPA to sign off on your work experience.

Finally, you are certainly going to need a review course to pass the exam. Your college classes will help somewhat, but you need materials that are focused on the exam. Reviewing material specifically geared toward the exam and practicing exam questions is the best way to pass. Good luck!